FIFA World Cup - 2018

Rostov-on-Don Stadium is a description of a proposed football stadium which will be built in Rostov-on-Don, Russia in time for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. It will also host FC Rostov of the Russian Premier League, replacing Olimp – 2. It will have a capacity of 43,702 spectators.

In 2011, the final design for the new stadium was presented by Populous. Irregular shape of both the roof and stands are its distinctive features. Part of the seating is to be installed only temporarily, for the 2018 World Cup. After the tournament capacity may be decreased to 25,000. As the main architect for Rostov Region confirmed, this stadium is to be the start of a new city centre. It will be the first large project built on the southern bank of Don river, with the rest of the city lying north. Thanks to restaurants and shopping facilities, it is to attract both people and investment to expand the city south.

Rostov’s new stadium planned for the 2018 World Cup will be a real breakthrough for the city and quite an attraction for tourists. Geographically it will lie in Asia, while the rest of Rostov – in Europe.

River Don is commonly recognized as the borderline and the 44,000-seater is to be the first large project built south of the river. Almost all settlements in Rostov are now located north of the venue which should not only increase attractiveness during the tournament, but also encourage the city’s expansion south.

Main architect of Rostov Region Alexey Polyanski suggests the stadium will bring new quality to the southern side and improve its development. “Of course it won’t be the only building here. We’re planning to create a whole new centre for life in Rostov” Polyanski said, quoted by The Voice of Russia.

It was also announced that the stadium is now planned to be downscaled after the 2018 tournament to some 25,000.